Biomechanics and Mechanobiology

Biomechanics involves the study of forces, movement, and mechanical properties of biological systems, while mechanobiology involves the study of how mechanical forces lead to responses by cells and tissues, and how these responses contribute to development, physiological function, and disease. UC Davis has a long and storied history of biomechanics and mechanobiology-related research, and in fact the BMEGG was founded by a group of faculty who were conducting orthopaedic and musculoskeletal biomechanics research. Currently, our expertise in biomechanics and mechanobiology includes a diverse range of applications and scales from cellular and subcellular mechanics to tissue-level adaptation to human movement and performance.

Biomechanics and Mechanobiology

Faculty

Portrait Image

Keith Baar

Position Title
  • Professor of Molecular Exercise Physiology
Portrait Image

Blaine Christiansen

Position Title
  • Professor
  • Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group
  • Graduate Advisor for the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group
Portrait Image

Cristina Davis

Position Title
  • Professor
  • Associate Vice Chancellor for Interdisciplinary Research and Strategic Initiatives
Portrait Image

Dake Hao

Position Title
  • Assistant Professor
Portrait Image

Tonya Kuhl

Position Title
  • Professor and Department Chair
Portrait Image

Kent Leach

Position Title
  • Lawrence J. Ellison Endowed Professor of Musculoskeletal Research
  • Vice Chair of Research
Portrait Image

Lucas R. Smith

Position Title
  • Assistant Professor
  • Graduate Advisor for the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group
Portrait Image

Jiandi Wan

Position Title
  • Associate Professor